"Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here and you deserve to hear it from me"
Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Belgium international's contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in the summer, and he said on Friday that will leave the club as a free agent.
De Bruyne joined City as a 24-year-old from Wolfsburg in 2015 and, over the following decade, established himself as one of the Premier League's best-ever midfielders.
"One of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Manchester City, there is no doubt," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Manchester United.
In his 10 years at the club, the team has won 16 trophies including six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields and a Champions League.
He has also been named Premier League Player of the Season twice (2019-20, 2021-22).
"Football led me to all of you -- and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people... gave me everything. I had no choice but to give everything back! And guess what -- we won everything.
Kevin De Bruyne to leave Man City at end of season
DE BRUYNE STATS - PREMIER LEAGUE RECORDS
• Since De Bruyne joined City in 2015 he has the most Premier League assists (117), chances created (827) and big chances created (193).
• He has the second highest number of assists in Premier League history, behind only Ryan Giggs (162).
• He has the joint most Premier League Player of the Season awards with two - in 2019-20 and 2021-22 - alongside Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic. Surprisingly, he has never won a Player of the Month award.
• Level with Henry for the most assists in a single Premier League season, producing 20 in the 2019-20 campaign.
• Has won the most Premier League Playmaker awards, given to the player with the most assists, winning it three times (2017-18, 2019-20 and 2022-23).
• Has also won four Manchester City Player of the Season awards, has been in the Champions League Team of the Season twice and finished third in the Ballon d'Or in 2022.
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